Android features that may elicit envy from iPhone owners (photos)

Google made public a new swipe-to-unlock patent, something HTC actually already offers. CNET takes a look at some other features that vendors have contributed to Android--features that may someday end up in a patent battle.

Roger Cheng

Feb. 17, 2012 4:17 p.m. PT

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Bonnie Cha/CNET

HTC's useful lock screen

Google published a patent last week that allows users to interact with a smartphone or PC to unlock the device and perform one command. Guess what? HTC already offers something very similar in Android phones using its latest version of Sense. Users can drag the virtual ring on the lock screen around one of four apps and instantly get taken to that function, whether it be the camera, calendar, or Angry Birds. It first debuted on the HTC Sensation 4G.

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Motorola

Motorola phones smarten up

A little talked about feature which Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha is excited about is smart actions. The feature allows you to take complete control over your phone, tweaking settings based on locations like work or home, allowing your phone to "learn" how to act in certain places. All of a sudden your phone knows when to go into battery saver mode, when to look for a WiFi hotspot, or when to stay quiet.

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Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Galaxy Note rocks the stylus

Okay, so the HTC Flyer also had a tablet, but the Galaxy Note thankfully includes a built-in stylus--dubbed S-Pen--that you can store in the phone. Sure, the late Steve Jobs mocked the stylus as a tool for phones that couldn't stand on their own, but they do have their practical uses. Although it's still up in the air whether people will want to use the feature, Samsung has already demonstrated some cool uses for it.

Is a phone or computer? Webtop is sort of both

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Motorola

Is a phone or computer? Webtop is sort of both

Give Motorola credit for trying to move smartphones closer to the PC environment. Its webtop feature allows select smartphones to dock with a laptop accessory, providing a computer-like experience complete with a full keyboard and touchpad. Now only if Motorola can get the price down.

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Stephen Shankland/CNET

HTC's hidden tricks

Did you know you can set HTC smartphones to ring louder if they're in your pocket or purse? HTC phones offer a wealth of features it doesn't publicly brag about, but they're there. You can actually shut off a phone's ringer by flipping it on its face, or engage the speakerphone by flipping it back up. Pictured: HTC CEO Peter Chou holding up the Desire Z and Desire HD.

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Roger Cheng/CNET

Android's early 3D attempt

Okay, so maybe 3D wasn't the hit it was supposed to be last year. But you have to hand it to Android partners like HTC and LG for pushing forward with the feature--even if there wasn't much content available. And it may have been headache inducing for some customers.

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Josh Miller/CNET

More control over the Galaxy S II

Samsung's Galaxy S II smartphone introduced a few new user interface tricks, integrating motion and gesture controls. Place two fingers on the screen, and tilt the phone to zoom in and out of the gallery or browser. Or flick your wrist left or right to move icons between home screens. It's a novel approach, although it's unclear how popular gesture controls ended up with users.